Early Literacy Associate

Handley Regional Library•Winchester, VA

2d•$17

About The Position

Handley Regional Library seeks creative and enthusiastic individual with a passion to promote early literacy through engaging programs for children, caregivers, and educators. This position will work closely with the Handley Library Youth Services Manager to plan, develop, and implement vital literacy programs and services for children birth to grade 3. POSITION SUMMARY Delivers library services, educational classes and events, reader’s advisory, and early literacy-based instruction to children and their caregivers at onsite and offsite locations, including but not limited to schools, childcare centers, afterschool programs, museums, community centers, and other neighborhood organizations. Works with Youth Services Manager to coordinate the library branch's Grow a Reader program.

Requirements

Ability to work independently to set priorities, manage multiple projects, and meet ongoing deadlines.
Strong human relations and communications skills, positive public service attitude; knowledge of best practices in child development, including social and emotional development in children and young adults or ability to learn.
Knowledge of computer hardware and peripherals, digital literacy skills including proficiency in internet research.
Ability to develop and present early literacy-based programs.
Bachelor’s degree and previous experience working with young children.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of American Library Association’s Every Child Ready to Read initiative or ability to learn
Awareness of trends and innovations in libraries and services to youth, familiarity with children’s literature and authors.
General knowledge of library principles, methods, materials and practices; general knowledge of reader interest and needs; general knowledge of children and young adult books; basic knowledge of classification and cataloging of library materials.
Previous library experience as well as experience working with culturally and economically diverse populations.
Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Youth Services Manager, develops, organizes and implements community-based library services in support of the library’s participation in the Campaign for Grade Level Reading (CGLR) and to implement Family Place Library (FPL) initiative.
Collaborates in establishing core literacy programs and assists in curating collections of relevant print and digital resources aimed at school readiness.
Plans and presents high quality early literacy instruction to children ages birth to five years and their caregivers, incorporating the American Library Association’s Every Child Ready to Read initiative.
Plans and presents high quality literacy-focused programs for students in Kindergarten through Grade 3, including both instructor-directed and student-directed learning. Helps to develop and coordinate youth education opportunities, incorporating programs related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM).
Provides input to assist in the development of integrated marketing and communications plans, creates marketing materials to promote various programs and special events, and helps maintain relevant website pages.
Assists with managing activities of the branch’s Youth Services department and staffs the Information Desk when needed. Provides exceptional customer service, information gathering assistance, and technology support to patrons ages birth to 18 years, their caregivers, and educators. Uses readers’ advisory tools to recommend books and media and promotes other library resources including print, digital, and library service offerings.
Serves as library liaison to local organizations and schools for cooperative school readiness endeavors. Assists Youth Services Manager in forming strategic partnerships with representatives of community agencies, organizations, and institutions.
Functions effectively as team member. Provides input & feedback, collaborates on issues, and is actively involved as part of a team. Performs job in timely manner, including follow-through on tasks.
Performs other duties as assigned.